Chicken and Dumplings With Bisquick Recipe: Fluffy Pillows in Savory Broth

This classic comfort dish brings tender chicken and fluffy dumplings together in a rich, savory broth. Using Bisquick simplifies the process without sacrificing texture.

In under an hour, you’ll have a hearty meal that tastes like it simmered all day. The dumplings absorb the broth’s flavor, creating soft, pillowy bites in every spoonful.

Ingredients for Chicken and Dumplings with Bisquick

Pantry staples plus Bisquick make this comfort classic a breeze to throw together.

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The chicken thighs are key here—boneless, skinless stay tender and cook faster. Costco has great bulk options, but any grocery store works. The Bisquick is non-negotiable for fluffy dumplings (that’s the shortcut that still tastes homemade). Look for the original mix, not the heart-smart version—it behaves differently in the batter.

No milk? Half-and-half or evaporated milk make even richer dumplings. Swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer, but they might dry out. Fresh herbs? Use one tablespoon each of thyme and parsley instead of dried. The broth can be homemade—if you’ve got it—but store-bought saves time without sacrificing much flavor.

Leftover dumplings soak up broth like sponges, so store them separately in an airtight container. Everything keeps 3-4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen things up.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken and Dumplings With Bisquick

Here’s the method I use for perfect fluffy dumplings in a rich, savory broth.

Step 1: Brown Chicken and Sauté Aromatics

Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter. When melted, add the 1.5 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs cut into bite-sized pieces. Brown for 5-6 minutes until golden on all sides, then transfer to a plate.

In the same pot, add the 1 whole Yellow Onion (finely diced), 2 whole Carrots (sliced), and 2 whole Celery Stalks (diced). Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in 3 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced) and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

This builds a deep flavor base that makes the broth irresistible.

Step 2: Create the Rich Broth

Sprinkle 0.25 cup All-Purpose Flour over the vegetables and stir for 1 minute to cook off the raw taste. Gradually whisk in 4 cups Chicken Broth, then add 1 tsp Dried Thyme, 1 tsp Salt, 0.5 tsp Black Pepper, and 1 whole Bay Leaf.

Return the chicken to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the broth thickens slightly.

Step 3: Prepare and Add the Dumplings

In a bowl, whisk together 2 cups Original Bisquick Baking Mix and 0.66 cup Whole Milk until just combined. The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy – don’t overmix.

Drop spoonfuls of batter (about 1.5 tbsp each) directly into the simmering broth. Cover and cook for 10 minutes without peeking – the steam is what makes them fluffy.

Stir in the remaining 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter and 1 tsp Dried Parsley. Simmer uncovered for 2-3 more minutes to thicken the broth slightly.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. This allows the dumplings to finish cooking and the broth to reach its perfect consistency.

Discard the bay leaf. Serve immediately while hot, with each bowl containing several dumplings and plenty of the rich, vegetable-studded broth.

Wine and Beer Pairings for chicken and dumplings with bisquick

Crisp White Wines

A Chardonnay with bright acidity cuts through the creamy dumplings beautifully. I love a California unoaked Chardonnay like Kendall-Jackson Avant—its citrus notes complement the thyme and parsley. Serve chilled at 45-50°F for best results. 🍷

Light Red Options

For red wine lovers, a Pinot Noir works surprisingly well. Try an Oregon Willamette Valley like A to Z Wineworks. Its earthy cherry flavors pair with the chicken without overwhelming the delicate dumplings.

Craft Beer Picks

A Belgian-style witbier like Blue Moon or Hoegaarden offers citrusy coriander notes that brighten the rich broth. The effervescence cleanses your palate between bites. Serve in a chilled glass at 40-45°F. 🍺

Classic Lager Pairing

Sometimes simple is best. A crisp American lager such as Samuel Adams or Budweiser provides a clean, refreshing contrast. The carbonation helps cut through the dish’s richness.

Non-Alcoholic Choice

For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling apple cider with a cinnamon stick. The sweetness and bubbles mimic beer’s palate-cleansing effect. I like Martinelli’s for its consistent quality.

Frequently Asked Questions